IMPORTATION OF TIMBER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14214, 10 November 1909, Page 7

IMPORTATION OF TIMBER.

: THE BUILDERS' VIEW. , ' greater" FREEDOM URGED. [BY telegbaph.— ? association.] . Wellington, Tuesday. A deputation from. the ; executive of the Federated Builders' Association waited on tho Prime Minister to-day to discuss the question of the duty on imported timber. Mr. Arnold, M.P., \ introduced the deputation, which urged that legislation should be introduced on the lines of the report of the Timber Commission. ;;,' ; ■:

Mr. S. I. Clarke, president of the federation,, said the deputation was well aware that influences had been brought to bear to nullify the report of the Commission, and i the builders wanted to make it clear that they were not in accord with that desire. I It was evident that sawmillers had not been able to meet the demand for timber of parI ticular lengths nor to sell at a prise which | was acceptable. The builders considered j that their industry was equally important ! as that of the sawmillers, and they urged ■ that greater expansion would bo brought about by greater freedom . of. importation. He thought also > that the people ,of the Dominion did not realise how near we are to the end of Our own timber supply. ",..'. The Under-Secretary for Lands had reported that" it would only last 30 or 40 years, but he (Mr. Clarke) contended that it would, not j last' so long as that, •as the ' increase would be very great every year judging by what had happened in the last 10 years. In conclusion he urged that nothing should be done to ; hamper the building trade, i which was the; barometer of .the advancement and growth and civilisation of the people. • Mr; W. H. \ Bennett referred to' a recent • judgment of" Mr. ' Justice Cooper as* to lien law to the effect that a "chief contractor was ! liable.to the workmen for the whole amount of the contract and not, as they understood previously, of only 25 per cent, of ■ a subcontract. ■:.. ' » . - ■;■--.'. ":■ ■='_,•.'•. '. •" '

Mr. Meuli , (Wanganui) '<■. urged an amendment of the law to protect the interests of the builder in case of a fire on a mortgaged building and for which the builder has not been paid. , '

■ The Prime Minister said he would be'glad to see that the matters referred to were carefully considered when the Government was concluding its consideration of, the Commission's report. He realised how important it was that the building industry should be protected, but it was; exceedingly difficult in view of , the various conflicting interests to arrive at a decision which would be effective.- They; had to protect the timber industry of New Zealand from an invasion of outside timber and also :to ensure that too high a price should not be charged to the consumer. The Government was considering the question of the timber supply of New Zealand. It was satisfied that a policy of afforestation was necessary. As to the amendment of- the law asked for he would obtain the opinion of the Crown law officers and consider, the matter in y connection with the other subjects mentioned by the deputation. '-~'■ ,•-